Upon reading the CCCA Handbook and Members Roster - you do read yours, don't you - I have oft pondered the question, "Why did the Metro Region only begin operations in 1979, especially since the CCCA National Club was headquartered in Madison, New Jersey?"  Therein lies the answer.

In the aforementioned Metro Classic News, the regional director, George Berman wrote: "From its founding in 1952 until the latter part of 1978 the CCCA claimed all territory within a 60-mile radius of New York City as the operating area of the National Administration.  In effect this precluded the formation of a region within the Metropolitan area."

"Back in the early days of the CCCA there was justification for such action.  The founding members felt that a region in such close proximity to the national headquarters would compete for the same personnel needed to run the fledgling organization.  It is interesting to recall that the first ten CCCA Presidents resided in the metropolitan area during their incumbencies.  It was not until Mort Bullock from Baltimore was elected in 1976 that a CCCA President lived outside the 60-mile radius."

"Approximately ten percent of the CCCA membership lives in the Metropolitan area.  The need to provide activities for these members was realized early on.  The Metropolitan Activities Committee (MAC) was formed to fulfill the need.  Unlike a region which elects its own Board of Managers, MAC members were appointed by, and responsible to, the CCCA Board of Directors.  The success of MAC through the years is a matter of opinion.  However, it can be reported that MAC ran 3 meets in 1976, 2 in 1977, and only one in 1978."

"Finally in 1978 the CCCA Board of Directors withdrew its proscription and gave permission for the formation of a region in the headquarters area.  In March of 1979, the provisional Metro Region held its first general membership meeting.  During its first year, 120 of the approximately 450 members living in the area have joined the Metro Region."

If you were a charter member, or if you know of one that is not listed, please accept our sincere apology for the omission, and please let us know.

And so, dear members, I shall ponder no longer - no, not true - I shall always ponder, however, no longer the vexing question regarding the relative youthfulness of the MTR.

Thanks to everyone who over the past 28 years has played a part in the success of the Metro Region and a special "THANK YOU" to those charter members still with us today.  Together may we all help forge the future of the MTR.